Chapter 240
Summer’s POV
“Their wedding anniversary; Brandon explained through the phone hunt Meave hasn’t been feeling well lately, so Unde Gavin didn’t want to take her out. They’re celebrating at home, so we should probably give them some space tonight?
1 shifted the phone to my other ear while organizing the Manhattan West Side project files. “That’s fine. We can grab dinner somewhere else,”
I’ll swing by and pick you up after work; Brandon said. “Yous’te not working late tonight, are you?”
‘Nope, I’ll be done on time,
“Good.” I could hear the smile in his voice, that softness he reserved just for me. “Where do you want to eat? Or maybe a movie? It’s been a while since we’ve gone out on a proper date with all the craziness at work lately.”
“A date?” I laughed, “We’re already married, you know?
“All the more reason, Brandon replied,
“Alright, I should get back to work,” I said reluctantly,
Me too. I’ve got a mountain of things to finish before I can leave,”
After we hung up, I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. Even after all this time, Brandon still made my heart flutter with just a simple phone call.
“Well, someone’s in a good mood.”
I looked up to find Heather leaning against my desk, a knowing smile on her face.
“Was that your boyfriend?” she asked, eyebrows wiggling suggestively
“Boyfriend?” I bit my lip. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Heather’s eyes widened. “Wait, you actually have a boyfriend? For real?”
“Why do you look so shocked?” I raised an eyebrow. “Do I seem like can’t get a date or something?”
“No! God, no,” Heather backpedaled quickly. “You’re gorgeous and super nice–of course guys would be lining up for you. I just… you never talk about your personal life.”
“Well, now you know, I said with a shrug.
“You should bring him around sometime,” Heather suggested. “I’m dying to meet the guy who put that smile on your face.”
I laughed, imagining her reaction if I showed up with Brandon Stark, CEO of the entire company. “Maybe someday.”
Heather nodded. “Enough. I should get back to work before Leo catches me slacking off.”
By 5:30, I was more than ready to leave. I texted Brandon as I rode the elevator down to the parking garage.
1/3
Chapter 240
On my way down. Where are you?
His reply came immediately: Still in a meeting. Should be done in 15. Wait in the car if you get there first. Keys are with James.
After collecting the keys I made my way to Brandon’s reserved spot and slipped inside his car. I was scrolling through restaurant options when the elevator doors pinged open. My head snapped up, but instead of Brandon, Elle Sinclair stepped out.
My stomach dropped. I reflexively slouched down, praying she wouldn’t notice me. She walked directly toward Brandon’s car and positioned herself right next to the driver’s side door.
Suddenly, Elle turned and pressed her face against the window, peering inside. My heart nearly stopped. Her face was inches from mine, separated only by the glass. I froze, not daring to breathe.
But after a long moment, Elle straightened and returned to leaning against the car, absently scrolling through her phone. That’s when I remembered–the windows were tinted. She couldn’t see me at all; she was just checking if Brandon was already inside.
With trembling fingers, I texted Brandon: EMERGENCY! Elle Sinclair is waiting by your car. I’m inside. She doesn’t know I’m here.
HELP!!!
Brandon’s reply came swiftly: Stay calm. I’m on my way down.
Two minutes later, the elevator doors opened again, and Brandon emerged with his coat draped over one arm. His eyes immediately scanned the garage until they landed on Elle, his expression darkening instantly.
He sent me another text: Are you okay?
I replied with a panicked emoji: In car. She doesn’t know I’m here.
A hint of a smile touched Brandon’s lips before his face returned to its impassive mask. He strode forward, his posture rigid with
annoyance.
Elle spotted him and brightened. “Brandon!” she called, stepping toward him with outstretched arms.
Brandon stopped abruptly. “Don’t touch me.”
Elle pouted, dropping her arms. “But Brandon, we’re going to be together eventually. I know you don’t like people touching you, but
I’m different.”
“What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“I wanted to go home with you, of course.” Elle’s voice furned sickly sweet. “You haven’t been home in ages. Jane misses you so much. And I didn’t drive today, and the Stark mansion is so far away. Can’t you give me a ride?”
“You don’t have money?”
Elle looked confused. “Of course I have money. Stark Group pays well and Jane gives me an allowance. Why are you asking about
money?”
“If you have money, take a taxi,” Brandon replied flatly. “Or rent a car. You seem to have plenty of cash–rent a Rolls Royce if you
want.”
“Brandon!” Elle’s voice took on a whining quality. “You know that’s not what I meant. I just want to go home with you!”
Brandon’s eyes narrowed. “I see you have money but nothing else.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t understand what you’re saying!”
2/3
Chapter 240
‘You’re not trying to understand. You’re just pretending to be stupid. That’s your specialty.”
“Brandon, how can you say that?” Elle’s voice rose. “I’m still-”
“The only reason I’ve tolerated you this long is out of respect for the Sinclair family,” Brandon cut her off. “But if you keep pushing your luck, don’t blame me for what happens next. Move aside.”
“You can’t treat me like this!” Elle cried. “We’re engaged! You’re supposed to be nice to me. Is there someone else? Is that it? Brandon, I’m not mad–I really do love you. If you’ve been seeing someone, just break it off. We can pretend it never happened.”
Brandon’s expression turned to one of pure disgust. “Have you lost your mind? I’ll say this one last time: move. If you don’t, you’re not just getting kicked out of Stark Group–I’ll make sure you can’t show your face anywhere in New York.”
Brandon was suddenly opening the driver’s side door. I opened my mouth to say something, but Brandon silenced me with a look. He reached over and squeezed my hand reassuringly.
I managed a weak smile as we both fastened our seatbelts, and Brandon wasted no time starting the engine and peeling out of the parking spot.
Through the rear window, I could see Elle scramble to her feet–apparently Brandon’s exit had been forceful enough to knock her down. She ran a few steps after the car, her face contorted with rage.
“Brandon!” she screamed. “No matter how much you reject me, you can’t change the fact that I’ll be your wife someday! I’ll make you want to marry me, you’ll see!”
Brandon’s jaw tightened as he accelerated up the exit ramp, leaving Elle and her delusions behind us.
I exhaled, not realizing I’d been holding my breath. “That was intense.”
Brandon’s only response was to tighten his grip on the steering wheel as we merged into the evening traffic of Manhattan.
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